Saturday, September 22, 2012

Spring in Sydney

Sydney is enjoying a lovely spring this year, glorious sunshine, but with a coolish breeze so it is most pleasant. I refuse to stay in my studio and have embarked on several plein air expeditions.





This is the result of a walk along the Cook River. The wattles are in bloom and although I had to omit them from this sketch, they were magnificent in their yellow powdery abundance.





Today, I went to the Dawn Fraser pool in Balmain and enjoyed the sight of sailing boats moored. The Harbour sparkled and it was an idyllic hour of sketching for me.



This made me reflect on the reasons why I paint. I paint because I enjoy the process and have this need to convey the beauties that I felt and saw. If somebody else agrees with my vision and it gives them pleasure, that's a bonus.



Of course as I'm prolific, there is a need to get rid of paintings. This I do by giving them away or selling them in an exhibition or other forum. Luckily I don't have a financial need to sell art as I can't think of a career more tenuous. Worse, I'd have to churn out popular paintings that sell and cannot experiment with subjects or techniques whatever takes my fancy.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Exhibition 2012

 
Well folks, the exhibition opening for 2012 has come and gone.  I thought I'd share a few thoughts about exhibiting... or what I learnt over the last few weeks.
 
The last few days before the exhibition were nail biting.  Mainly because I made all this effort and what if the consensus is that nobody likes my art?  That I've wasted all my time and energy?  It felt very much like when I was at Architecture school adn the moment came when you presented your work to the tutors.  Would they love it?  Or hate it?  Scathing comments have changed careers!
 
Although exhibition 2010 was a smashing success, things could have changed.  In any case, I needn't have worried, it was a moderate success.  The wild wind detered the semi interested parties, and cafe invitees were not plentiful, but we had a reasonable turnout, see the following photo.
 
 
I'd like to thank all my friends who turned out and lent me the support.  Plus my wonderful husband who made the speech that everybody loved.  I know I'm lucky to have him beside me.  I can feel the love in the room and am encouraged to continue painting, drawing and sculpting.



Monday, September 3, 2012

The musician

Due to some mix up with dates, I was able to make this fortnight's sketch club. The format was unusual in that we are having a single long pose for 2.5 hours hurray! At last somebody understands what it takes to paint or sculpt.





It turns out that we have a second convenor Matilda who is keen to try different things from Sarah. Our model is the refreshing Mary Jane who is a professional musician (cellist and guitarist). She brought her cello (also named Matilda) with her as prop. Beautiful instrument - all golden wood gleaming. In all, I was set up for a treat!


I knew I'd not have time for a detailed painting so deliberately chose an impressionistic style to capture the scene. It's quite liberating to paint with bold strokes.